Flat irons can temporarily straighten curly or wavy hair, but can also cause damage if not used correctly. Experts recommend using a ceramic or tourmaline iron, and prepping hair with straightening shampoos and conditioners. Use a heat protectant and work in small sections, finishing with a hairspray. Clean the iron regularly.
If you occasionally want smooth, silky locks of hair, but are blessed with firm curls or waves, a flat iron could hold the key to your hairstyling dreams. Flat irons use concentrated heat and steam to straighten even the most bouncy curls and give you temporarily smooth locks. While it’s possible to do considerable damage to your hair by searing or searing it with a flat iron, used correctly it can be a great tool. With just a few simple steps, you can have a totally different hairstyle in no time.
There are many different hair straighteners to choose from in the market today. Experts recommend using an iron with ceramic plates, which heat up very quickly and provide a constant and uniform source of heat. Some new models also use tourmaline technology, which emits negatively charged ions to prevent frizzy hair from growing while straightening. Typically, people with short hair should use narrower irons that can easily grip short or choppy sections, while those with longer hair will reduce the time it takes to straighten by using models with a wider plate.
To prep your hair for straightening with minimal damage, consider using a shampoo and conditioner that contains straightening agents. While this may not work entirely, it can reduce the amount of heat styling needed while protecting your hair from heat damage. If you straighten your hair often, try using shampoos and conditioners for damaged or dry hair, and indulge in a deep conditioning treatment once a week. If you don’t like spending your money on beauty products, protect your hair by rubbing warm olive oil into strands, leaving it on for ten minutes, then rinsing completely.
Next, use a heat protectant product to keep your hair from excessive damage. These should typically be used on wet or damp hair and worked through from root to tip. Many thermal or heat sprays also contain agents to prevent frizz and flyaway strands, which will help tremendously with the finished look.
Dry your hair completely after treatment. While some models work on damp hair, many consider it to be both safer and more effective for straightening dry hair. Never use a flat iron on wet hair, as it can cause shock or electrocution.
If you have layered or long hair, you may want to pin it in sections for length before flat ironing. Pull down one section at a time to enhance your layers, starting with the longest hair first. Make sure you use small sections of hair; while this may seem inefficient, it will actually help you. Small, manageable sections will give you an even finish and allow you to keep the iron on your hair for the least amount of time possible.
After straightening your hair, consider finishing the look with a lightweight hairspray or finishing spray. These products can hold hair in place, add body and shine, and tame any flyaway strands. To avoid overuse or uneven distribution, consider squirting the product into your palms and using your hands to work it through your hair. After spraying, try to avoid touching or playing with your hair to keep your style perfect.
To keep your iron in the best condition, clean it every few uses. Product, fluff and frizz can build up on the plates and then transfer to your hair the next time you iron. Look for models with removable plates for easy cleaning, and never wash the plates without making sure the iron is unplugged.
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